Specs for new system upgrade - comments?

[bernse]

Well, after my old system when to the big power supply in the sky, I've pretty much narrowed down my new components. I haven't upgraded anything major in something like 2-3 years (I think my vid card was the last!) and I've kind of been out of the loop on hardware for the past while.... So, I've been playing some massive catch-up and reading articles and this board. However, since I am almost a newb again, I would appreciate comments from you.

Here's what I've got planned.

P4-2.8C
Asus P4P800 (non-deluxe) OR Abit IS7E <-- probably my most uncertain component
1GB RAM - PC3200
GF3ti200 64MB<-- Carryover from my old box.

Exisitng 24" Case, HD, CDRW, DVD and the new 350W P.S. I bought to replace the fried one.

 

[Schadenfroh]

looks good

 

[dakels]

I would consider getting a 2.4C and save yourself a $100. You could upgrade your motherboard to a P4P deluxe or something and still have $50-60 left over. If you're interested the 2.4C overclocks very easily up to 2.8 and many run them at 3.2-3.4. YMMV

For RAM you can get like Corsair, Kingston, or Crucial Value but I use 2x 512mb PC3200 Kingston HyperX on my Gigabyte KN8XP and 2.8C. It wasn't too happy with the aggressive preset SPD of 2-2-2-6 but it runs fine in 2-3-3-6. When the hot summer is over I may try more aggressive timings or upping the voltage to hold a lower latency but the speed difference is not alot. I'd rather push it to 433mhz which will be a much bigger speed difference then the slight latency change. Although mine didnt work to spec, I am not mad at it because the ambient temps have been around 100 degrees F Even at CL 2-3-3-6 I think its a great stick of memory for its price. The Corsair XMS which is about that price is CL 2.5 (in dual channel mode). The Corsair XMS LL sticks are as good latency as the Hyper X or better but cost 50% more. Not worth it IMO.

good luck with the new rig. You'll love the speed boost. Mine runs all (CPU/RAM/HD) the new Sandra benchmarks at 5-15% faster then comparitive reference benchmarks. The HT gives me a noticeable boost and responsiveness. Since I work mainly in audio video applications, the HT and dual channel high speed RAM make a very noticeable difference for me over my previous 2.66ghz non HT rig.

 

[bernse]

Thanks. I am planning on going with the 2.8C as I really am not an avid overclocker. I might juice it a bit, but nothing like 500Mhz. Heh. I still get a kick out of people talking about overclocking their CPUs by a 1/2 or even a full Ghz! Thats nuts! I remember when it was "da bomb" to get a 166@200 or a 200@233

I really don't have any need for firewire or RAID so I'm not too concerned for mobo features other than USB2 and basic sound. Call me old fashioned!

 

[konichiwa]

Old fashioned!


(who remembers Celeron 300A)

 

[dakels]

Originally posted by: bernse
Thanks. I am planning on going with the 2.8C as I really am not an avid overclocker. I might juice it a bit, but nothing like 500Mhz. Heh. I still get a kick out of people talking about overclocking their CPUs by a 1/2 or even a full Ghz! Thats nuts! I remember when it was "da bomb" to get a 166@200 or a 200@233

I really don't have any need for firewire or RAID so I'm not too concerned for mobo features other than USB2 and basic sound. Call me old fashioned!

ok good point but I always like to leave space for future upgrade paths. Spending an extra $40 now could save you $100 in PCI cards later. But I don't disagree with what your buying. You know what you need better then I do. The non deluxe version is a great mobo.

As for the processor, I understand if you don't want to OC. I try to avoid it as well unless I feel it's extremely stable and necessary for my needs. Taking a 2.4C to a 2.8 though is considered a gimme though unlike pushing it to 3.2+ (the 2.4C, from what I am told, is the same chip as the 2.6, 2.8 and 3.0 just underclocked and probably "binned"). But of course, you could be the 1 in a 1000 who gets the extremely poor overclocker and I could see why it may not be worth the risk. Keep in mind though, if the budget is a major concern, that 400 extra mhz isn't a tremendous impact on daily home performance, even for gaming. Its an easy way to shave $100 off your expenses if decide on a 2.4C.

cheers

 

[bernse]

Thanks for the input. Its appreciated!